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The inaugural Bar Awards are coming to Newcastle – voting has now opened

Presented by HUNTERhunter, Bar Awards will shine a light on the stars of Newcastle's nightlife scene.

With the nomiantions finalised, industry are now invited to vote on the nominees across each of the 11 Bar Award categories via the voting form.

The winners will be announced at the Bar Awards event to be held on Monday 5 August. Tickets are now On Sale.


How does the voting work?

  • First up, we need you to nominate yourself and/or your team in the categories relevant to your business
  • Nominations are only open to venues located within the Newcastle Local Government Area (LGA). Not sure if your business qualifies? Here's the list of Newcastle LGA suburbs
  • Nominations open on Tuesday May 7 and closes on Monday June 10
  • There are no costs associated with nominating
  • Nominations are open to bar industry professionals only (the general public does not get a vote)
  • Each nominee must nominate in every category for their vote to count
  • The nominees list will be announced on Tuesday June 11
  • Voting on the nominees opens to the industry on Monday June 17
  • The five nominees who receive the most votes per category will enter the finalist round
  • Finalists will be announced week commencing Monday July 1 via hunterhunter.com.au/barawards
  • The five finalists within each category will be critiqued anonymously by the judge who is assigned to their category
  • Each finalist will be asked to supply 1 x $100 voucher per award category they’re a finalist in, which is to be used by the judge during their visit
  • Judging will take place between Monday July 1 and Sunday July 28
  • A criteria list and judging matrix will be supplied to each judge to base their decisions on
  • The winners of the 11 award categories will be announced on Monday August 5 at the Bar Awards event, to be held at Bartholomew’s.
Bar Awards will bring together those who energise the city’s bar and drink scene, with awards presented across 11 categories:

Bar of the Year
Bartender of the Year
Rookie of the Year
Best Cocktail Bar
Hotel of the Year
Brewpub of the Year
Best Live Music Venue
Best Restaurant Cocktail Menu
Best Hotel Cocktail Menu
Best Wine List
Best Non-Alc Menu

We want all of the industry to get involved, so help us spread the word by telling all your staff and hospitality friends.

Want to become a sponsor of Bar Awards? 

For all sponsorship opportunities contact [email protected]